Cloquet school board elects officers, keeps pay and schedules for 2026

The Cloquet Public School District board elected its 2026 officers and affirmed routine governance details at its organizational meeting Jan. 12. Board members nominated and elected Leanne as chair; Melissa was reappointed clerk and Nicole Diver was elected treasurer following roll-call votes.

The change in leadership was completed without extended debate. The board also voted to retain current salaries, per diems and federal mileage reimbursement for board members. Administration told the board it had benchmarked pay against nearby districts and concluded the district’s rates are close to or slightly above the average after recent per-meeting adjustments.

Board members discussed committee assignments and whether the district’s long list of subcommittees should be streamlined. One member suggested documenting each committee’s purpose and 'key moments' when board presence is most valuable to avoid unnecessary meetings and costs. Administrators noted committee membership is discretionary and that any board member can request a committee review during the year.

The board set its 2026 regular meeting dates on the historical pattern of second- and fourth-Monday meetings. Administrators flagged the March meeting typically moves to the third Monday when the fourth Monday falls during spring break to accommodate staff and families and to allow more time for budget work.

The meeting concluded with routine procedural items and a reminder that, if quorum concerns arise because of scheduling conflicts, the administration can consult the board about rescheduling within notice-period requirements.